The opening third of the Division 2 season concludes this weekend in what has been an extraordinarily tight competition so far.
The evenness has been highlighted by the fact there have been two drawn games, only one margin in excess of 60 points and an average margin of just 24 points – proving no side can afford to drop their guard or they face the consequences of falling behind the pack.
Thomastown is the only side that remains unbeaten following a 44-point victory over Mernda, and now welcomes a Hurstbridge side to Main Street Reserve who will be smarting from a loss to close rival Diamond Creek at home.
The Bears trailed at half time last week, but were able to make all the running in the third quarter as they piled on four goals to Mernda’s solitary behind. They have now opened a six-point gap atop the ladder.
Although Jacob Osei-Duro was well held by Brad Kairouz, Matthew Ferraro was once again able to run riot – his eight-goal haul meaning he has 21 in three games. Andrew Lozanovski and Steven Cadby were best afield for the all-conquering Bears.
Hurstbridge, unlike the Bears, was unable to make their third quarter charge count, with Diamond Creek holding out for a 15-point victory at Ben Frilay Oval.
The Bridges were stunned into action after trailing by three goals at the long change, but the Creekers kicked 4.8 in the final quarter to keep their own finals hopes well and truly alive. Tom Simpson kicked three goals for the Bridges, while Anthony Heron and Tyron Loader were their best players.
Diamond Creek’s win means it now moves within percentage of the top four ahead of a huge clash with Fitzroy Stars at Coventry Oval.
The Creekers were excellent against the Bridges, a side they lost to twice last season. Leading for the opening three quarters, the Creekers fell behind in the last term before kicking the final three goals. Nathan Searl was best afield with four goals while fellow young gun Jack Prosser was also prominent, kicking two goals.
The Stars were left to rue inaccurate kicking as they drew with Whittlesea. The Stars had 10 more scoring shots than the Eagles but could only convert seven of their 27 opportunities. Despite jumping to a two-goal cushion midway through the last, two late Nicholas Horman goals ensured the points would be shared.
Captain Djaran Whyman kicked three goals for the Stars. Coree Thorpe managed to keep in-form Janan Daniel goalless and was the Stars best along with Peter Hood and Alex Isailovic. The draw makes for a three-team logjam between fourth and sixth.
Whittlesea currently holds pole position in that logjam and hosts Lalor who took advantage of Hurstbridge’s slip-up to move into second.
Nicholas Horman kicked three goals for the Eagles, including the two aforementioned goals to get them back into the game. Nathan Stefanile won his ruck dual with Clinton Edwards and Jordan Ormerod was also a key performer. Jai Robinson, playing his first game for the Eagles after crossing from Mernda, was also named in their best players.
Lalor got back on the winners’ list following a 10-point victory over Panton Hill, and now has a golden opportunity to benefit from the Thomastown v Hurstbridge meeting by either closing the gap to the ladder-leader or extending their gap over third place with a victory at the Showgrounds.
The Bloods’ victory over the Redbacks didn’t come without a fight, however, as they trailed at half time after an eight-goal second quarter from the visitors. However, the efforts of Daniel and Scott Morrison, as well as four-goal hauls from Todd Hughes and skipper Shannon Smith, helped the Bloods keep the Redbacks at bay.
Panton Hill now faces a crunch game which could be pivotal in the potential relegation fight, hosting Mernda in the final twilight game of the season at Cracknell Reserve.
Tyler Scarce and Ben Finnin (five goals) were once again prominent for the Redbacks, but it was not enough to will their side to a second victory of the season.
Mernda put up a brave first half effort in its loss to Thomastown but should it drop this week’s game, last year’s preliminary finalist will find itself with a mountain to climb.
Riley Black was outstanding last week, named in the best for the third consecutive game, and was ably assisted by Brad Kairouz and Luke Marum. Veteran Matthew Rees kicked three goals.
